Erectile Dysfunction is the inability of a man to achieve and maintain an erection long enough to satisfy his, and his partners sexual needs. Most men experience this at one point in their lives. Erectile Dysfunction can be partial or complete. It can also be a onetime phenomenon or a chronic issue. However, frequent episodes leads to low self esteem and other physical and emotional problems.

Erectile Dysfunction has many causes and can be easily diagnosed with the tests mentioned below. With proper treatment it is completely curable. Although not life threatening erectile dysfunction may indicate some hidden sickness either physical or psychological.

SYMPTOMS OF ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION:

- Trouble in achieving and maintaining an erection long enough to satisfy ones sexual desire. It is advisable to consult your doctor if the problem is chronic and becomes an issue with you and your partner.

- You have certain diseases like diabetes, heart disease, peyronies disease, etc.

- You have certain symptoms either physical or psychological along with erectile dysfunction which may be unrelated, but may be indirectly causing the problem.

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTS:

For many men a physical examination is all that is needed before the cause for this problem can be detected. A few may need to provide all information regarding their medical history, the drugs they are using at present, and certain physical deformities they may have. And for men whose problem arises mainly due to psychological reasons, a few questionnaires or tests may be given to understand the extent of the problem.

Medical and Sexual history helps define the degree and nature of Erectile Dysfunction.

A medical history of the patient discloses diseases that lead to Erectile Dysfunction.

Usage of certain illegal drugs can suggest a chemical cause.

Simple counselling usually brings forth the psychological cause.

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION:

A thorough physical examination can help diagnose Erectile Dysfunction. If the penis is not sensitive to touch or does not show any reaction when it is stimulated it may be an indication of a problem in the nervous system.

Certain secondary characteristics like hair pattern, breast enlargement, and other physical traits may be indications of hormonal problems, and problems in the endocrine system which can also cause Erectile Dysfunction.

The physical appearance of the penis too sometimes effects erection. A penis that bends or curves, which is a result of peyronies disease is another cause for Erectile Dysfunction.

LABORATORY TESTS:

Certain lab tests can help diagnose Erectile Dysfunction. Tests for systemic diseases include blood counts, urinanalysis, lipid profile, and measurements of creatinine and liver enzymes.

Measuring of the amount of testosterone in the blood can yield information about problems of the endocrine system and is indicated especially in patients with decreased sexual desire.

QUESTIONNAIRES AND COUNSELLING OR PSYCHOTHERAPHY:

Counselling usually brings forth the psychological cause. Psychotherapy offers certain techniques like counselling etc, which helps in both detection and treatment of erectile dysfunction.

OTHER TESTS:

Monitoring the pattern of erection. Healthy men have involuntary erections during sleep. A study of these erections helps in finding out the cause of Erectile Dysfunction. If night erections do not occur then Erectile Dysfunction is likely to have a psychological cause.

Scientists have developed several tests that can determine the dormant or underlying causes of Erectile Dysfunction. Most of these tests are 100% reliable. When the causes for Erectile Dysfunction are diagnosed, treatment becomes very easy.